DID YOU READ

Adapt This: “27” by Charles Soule and Renzo Podesta

With Hollywood turning more of its attention to the world of graphic novels for inspiration, I’ll cast the spotlight on a new comic book each week that has the potential to pack a theater or keep you glued to your television screens. At the end of some “Adapt This” columns, you’ll also find thoughts from various comic creators and other industry experts about the books they’d like to see make the jump from page to screen.

This Week’s Book: “27” by Charles Soule and Renzo Podesta

The Premise: A popular rock star suffering from a medical condition that could end his career meets a mysterious scientist who offers him a cure. When things go wrong with the experiment, the musician suddenly finds himself saddled with a mysterious device that grants him unpredictable powers and the attention of supernatural forces connected to the “27 Club” — that famous group of artists (Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, etc.) who all died at age 27.

The Pitch: It’s easy to see the appeal of a story that would feature a lead actor who can pass for a rock star and a cast of actors playing some of music’s most famous gone-too-soon artists. Just imagine the buzz that will precede (and follow) every casting decision, with the media debating who should play Jim Morrison or Janis Joplin or any of the other members of the infamous “27 Club,” and an adaptation of this 2010 series seems silly not to make.

In the series, guitarist and songwriter Will Garland agrees to a strange procedure administered by an even stranger “doctor” after trying every other possibly way to heal his crippled hand. Things don’t go as planned, though, and Will ends up with a strange machine embedded in his chest that gives him superhuman abilities. He also finds himself caught up in a struggle between supernatural entities looking to add him to the long list of brilliant, 27-year-old artists who died at their creative peaks.

The first volume of 27 is an origin story of sorts, introducing the main character and setting up both the situation that gives him his weird powers and the constraints of those abilities. It’s a story that would work well as a standalone film, but could also be easily set up as a potential two- or three-part franchise.

The role of Will Garland offers a nice opportunity to bring in a talented young actor capable of wrangling the young, female audience, while the right choices for some of the famous musicians that make cameos in the book — to offer Will advice or help him with his newfound powers — should make the film more than just the typical young-adult fare.

Of course, it’s worth noting that with some clever handling of the narrative, 27 could also work out well as a television series, with certain members of the “27 Club” becoming recurring characters. This would definitely require some tweaking of the original story and its pacing, but it’s not too far of a leap.

There’s also a unique opportunity to make music an active ingredient in a 27 adaptation and feature songs “written” by Will, as well as songs connected to his real-world and supernatural social circles.

The Closing Argument: Handsome rock star as a lead character? Check. Actors portraying famous celebrities idolized by millions? Check. A healthy dose of ghosts and supernatural mystery? Check.

When it comes down to it, there’s very little about 27 that doesn’t scream seat-filling movie (or couch-crowding television series, for that matter). As with all adaptations, proper handling of the source material and script will probably be the deciding factor on the project’s success, but there’s a lot of potential here for a cool, genre-crossing adventure with a lot of material that will catch the public’s attention and keep them intrigued right up until it arrives on the big (or small) screen.

Would “27” make a good movie or television series? Chime in below or on Facebook or Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…